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What is the optimum temperature and concentration of nitric acid needed to achieve a high yield in the preparation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene from toluene?

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The preparation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene  TNT  from toluene involves a nitration process using a mixture of nitric acid  HNO3  and sulfuric acid  H2SO4 . The optimum conditions for achieving a high yield of TNT are as follows:1. Temperature: The nitration process should be carried out at a temperature between 0C and 30C. Lower temperatures  around 0C  are preferred for the first nitration step to minimize the formation of dinitrotoluene isomers. The temperature can be increased to around 30C for the second and third nitration steps.2. Concentration of nitric acid: A concentrated nitric acid solution  around 65-70%  is typically used for the nitration process. However, it is essential to use a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid  oleum  to achieve a high yield of TNT. The sulfuric acid acts as a dehydrating agent, increasing the concentration of the nitronium ion  NO2+ , which is the active nitrating species.In summary, to achieve a high yield of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene from toluene, the nitration process should be carried out at a temperature between 0C and 30C, using a concentrated nitric acid solution  65-70%  mixed with sulfuric acid.
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